Discover Tito's Handmade Vodka Tito's Handmade Vodka is known for its smooth, clean taste and gluten-free certification. For those looking to explore this iconic brand, Union Wine & Liquor at 2675 Union Road, Cheektowaga, NY 14227, provides an excellent selection, with more details available on their website at https://unionwineandliquor.com. Background on Tito's Handmade Vodka Tito's Handmade Vodka has become a household name in the spirits industry since its inception in 1997, revolutionizing the American vodka market with its unique approach to distillation and quality. Founded by Bert "Tito" Beveridge in Austin, Texas, this craft vodka brand has grown from a one-man operation to a globally recognized premium spirit. Tito's is known for its commitment to traditional pot-still distillation, a method more commonly associated with fine single malt scotches and high-end French cognacs, resulting in a remarkably smooth and clean taste profile. The use of 100% non-GMO corn as its base ingredient not only contributes to its sweetness but also ensures that Tito's is naturally gluten-free, appealing to a wide range of consumers. Product Deep Dives Tito's Handmade Vodka Tito's Handmade Vodka, founded in 1997 by Bert "Tito" Beveridge in Austin, Texas, is renowned for its smooth and clean taste. The vodka undergoes a rigorous production process involving six distillations in old-fashioned pot stills, similar to methods used for fine single malt scotches and high-end French cognacs. Made from 100% non-GMO corn, Tito's offers a sweetness and is naturally gluten-free. The production process includes milling and mashing corn, fermentation with yeast, multiple distillations, and activated charcoal filtration. Tito's Handmade Vodka is available in 1.75 liters, 1 liter, and 750 milliliter sizes, with a price range in the mid-tier ($$). It's known for its complex and refined taste experience compared to more neutral vodkas like Absolut. Versatile in its applications, Tito's can be enjoyed neat, mixed in cocktails, or used as a base for martinis, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a refined vodka experience. Grey Goose Vodka Grey Goose, established in 1997 by Sidney Frank, is celebrated for its premium quality and smooth texture. The vodka is crafted from high-quality wheat grains and undergoes a triple distillation process, resulting in a refined flavor profile. This meticulous production method ensures a silky texture and subtle taste that has garnered praise from vodka connoisseurs worldwide. Available in 1.75 liters, 1 liter, and 750 milliliter formats, Grey Goose falls into the mid-range price category ($$). It offers a smoother and more refined flavor profile compared to Tito's Handmade Vodka, which has a slightly sweeter and more complex taste. Grey Goose is particularly suited for sipping neat or incorporating into cocktails where a sophisticated flavor is desired, its versatility making it appropriate for various drinking occasions. Absolut Vodka Absolut Vodka, founded in 1879 by Lars Olsson Smith in Åhus, Sweden, is known for its neutral flavor profile. The vodka is distilled to 100% ABV before being diluted to 40% ABV, ensuring a consistent and reliable taste experience. Made from winter wheat, Absolut has become a popular choice among bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts for its versatility in mixed drinks. Offered in 1.75 liters, 1 liter, and 750 milliliter sizes, Absolut Vodka is positioned in the lower price range ($). Its neutral character contrasts with Tito's Handmade Vodka's sweetness, making Absolut ideal for cocktails where a clean base is desired. This vodka caters to those who prefer a straightforward experience without complex flavors, excelling in its role as a reliable mixer for a wide range of cocktail recipes. Belvedere Vodka Belvedere Vodka, established in 1993 by Krzysztof Zygadlo in Poland, is renowned for its flavor profile. The vodka is crafted from rye grain and distilled to 96% ABV before being diluted to 40% ABV, resulting in a rich and complex taste experience. This unique production process has made Belvedere a favorite among vodka connoisseurs who appreciate a more robust drinking experience. Available in 1.75 liters, 1 liter, and 750 milliliter formats, Belvedere Vodka is priced in the mid-range category ($$). It offers a more robust and complex flavor profile compared to Tito's Handmade Vodka's smoother and sweeter taste. Belvedere is particularly well-suited for those who prefer a bold vodka experience and pairs excellently with foods that complement its rich profile, such as smoked meats or strong cheeses. Ketel One Vodka Ketel One, founded in 1983 by Carolus Nolet in the Netherlands, is celebrated for its crisp, clean taste and smooth finish. The vodka is crafted from wheat grain using a combination of copper pot stills and column distillation, ensuring a consistent and high-quality drinking experience. This unique production method contributes to Ketel One's reputation for a straightforward yet refined vodka profile. Offered in 1.75 liters, 1 liter, and 750 milliliter sizes, Ketel One Vodka is positioned in the mid-range price category ($$). It presents a crisper and cleaner taste compared to Tito's Handmade Vodka's smoother and sweeter profile. Ketel One is particularly suited for those seeking a refreshing vodka experience, pairing well with light foods and excelling in cocktails where a clean, crisp flavor is desired. Vodka's Historical Evolution and Cultural Significance From Humble Beginnings to Global Recognition Vodka's journey spans centuries, originating in Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland and Russia. The first written record of vodka dates back to 1405 in Poland, where it was initially used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes.
